Can I open a manual 3-way Jandy valve without harming it?

I think I have debris in my drain or the pipes that flow to the pump filter.

How can I get a hose down to the drain? I was thinking about taking the top off of the Jandy valve and running the hose down that way.

But before I open up the valve and risk ruining a seal, I wanted to know if this was even a possibility (or check with the more experienced folks here to see if there's a different way.)


Due to my schedule, I won't be able to drain the pool and work on it from the drain side until March. But until then, I don't get any water flowing from the drain side into the filter.

As long as the valve is above the water level in the pool, you can pop the 8 screws and snake a hose down the MD line:)

There's an o-ring that seals the top of the valve, don't pinch it when you put the top back on! Also, make sure to note the orientation of the valve, so that you put it back on the same way (or take this opportunity to realign the stops).

Bring a cup to put the screws in, it truly sucks to loose one;)